the centennial - legion209.orgvolume 47 edition 10 october 2016 mail: p.o. box 25334, colorado...

Reservations and RSVP go to Jackie Bowen (574-1223) [email protected]

The Centennial

VOLUME 47 EDITION 10 October 2016 Mail: P.O. Box 25334, Colorado Springs, Co 80936-5334 Post: 3613 Jeannine Dr., Colorado Springs, Co 80917-8002 Telephone 719-599-8624 Email: [email protected] Website: www.legion209.org

From the Desk and Mind of the Commander

Mike Barger

Once again, I'd like to start off by acknowledging all those that have stepped up this last month and volunteered their

time to the Post. That includes people from the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons and Riders. A big thank you from myself and the

executive committee goes out to you all.

Here’s something that our Riders may not have known. On Oct. 17-18, 2007, The American Legion National Executive

Committee passed Resolution 35 and adopted The American Legion Riders as a national program of The American Le-

gion. The first American Legion Riders chapter was established by American Legion Post 396 in Garden City, Mich. in

1993. It's amazing all the work and good things the Riders do for The American Legion and their communities.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM is a nationwide campaign celebrat-

ing the skills and talents workers with disabilities bring to our workplaces. “By fostering a culture that embraces individ-

ual differences, including disabilities, businesses profit by having a wider variety of tools to confront challenges,” says

Jennifer Sheehy Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for disability employment policy. “Our nation’s most successful

companies proudly make inclusion a core value. They know that inclusion works. It works for workers, it works for em-

ployers, it works for opportunity, and it works for innovation.” Let's ensure our disabled Veterans get a fair shake and

fair opportunity in our workforce to prove, that just because they have a disability, that they're still a viable person to

employee. If you know of any Veterans that need assistance finding work or need a little help with their resume writing

or interview skills, please contact me and I will get you in touch with someone that’ll gladly assist them with this.

I have a passion for volunteering. When is the last time you volunteered or thought about volunteerism? Maybe you have

plans to volunteer this holiday season or you are a regular volunteer in your community and Legion. Maybe you volun-

teered as a high school or college student. Or maybe volunteerism hasn’t even entered your mind in years. How do you

define volunteerism? This can be defined in three criteria. 1st, the action should be carried out voluntarily, according to

an individual’s own freewill, and not as an obligation stipulated by law, contract or academic requirement. 2nd, the action

should not be undertaken primarily for financial reward. And 3rd, the action should be for the common good. It should

directly or indirectly benefit people outside the family or household or else benefit a cause, even though the person vol-

unteering normally benefits as well. All three of these are great reasons to volunteer here at the Post. What motivates

you? Do you have a special skill that you could offer? If so, please let me know and I’ll gladly take you up on these. I’ve

seen some folks come forward already, and it’s great to see, but we can always use more.

A big thank you goes out to all those who participated in the Neal Thomas Jr. Memorial Ride and those that attended the

Post Renaming and Post Everlasting ceremonies that followed. This shows a lot of what our Post is about for us to come

out and honor one of our most beloved members. Also, for all those that came out to meet the newly elected Auxiliary

National President Mary Davis and the National Commander Charles Schmidt, thank you. It's not every year that we get

the privilege to have 2 National Commanders and 2 National Presidents come to our Post in the same year.

With the 4th quarter of this year upon us, we still have things to do. We will be supporting the Veteran's Stand Down on

October 18th and if anyone is interested in volunteering at this event (hint, hint), please contact the Auxiliary President

Cathy Barger and she will get you on the list. Along with the Stand Down, we will be asked to provide 3 to 4 meals for

all those that we’re able to put into hotel rooms waiting for housing assistance. The Auxiliary will be asking for some

volunteers to help with this also. Along with that, the Riders are still collecting food for the holiday food baskets, but

remember, no turkeys till November. If you bring in non-perishable food items to any meals you attend here at the Post

from now till Thanksgiving, you'll receive a $.50 discount on your meal.


From the Unit 209 President

Cathy Barger

Busy, busy, busy. That’s what we were in September with the visits of the newly elected Auxiliary National

President Mary Davis on September 8th and the National Commander Charles Schmidt on September 14th. I’d

like to thank all those that volunteered their time during these events at the Post. Also, I’d like to thank all

those that volunteered at “All Activities Day” on September 17th. Without your time and dedication, All Pa-

tients Day would not have been a huge success. Thanks to SAL, Riders and Legion, for donating along with the

Auxiliary, the funds to allow us to purchase items for the event.

FREE. Did I hear free? Everyone likes free. Early bird dinner is coming up on October 28th. This is for all Le-

gion family members who renew their membership or are signing up with Centennial Post 209 for the first

time. All memberships need to be active for the 2017 calendar year by the October 15th deadline to receive the

free dinner offered by the Post. RSVP’s must be made and the dinner will be at 6pm.

It’s hard to believe that Halloween is around the corner. On Saturday, October 29th, the Post we will be having

our annual Halloween party. The party begins at 2:00 pm and this will be a potluck, so please make sure to

bring something that can feed 4 to 5 people. You must RSVP to Jackie Bowen by October 25th with the num-

ber of kids under 12 who will be attending. We’ll have games and/or movies for the young ones. Even the

adults can join in the fun. Can’t wait to see everyone’s costumes, adults included.

Happy Birthday to Karen Beard, Jackie Burd, Susan Calica, Kaitlyn Cancellieri, Jean Chladek, Joan Ciani, Eli-

nor Eastman, Mary Grier, Joyce Horne, Kourtney Kimbrel, Patty Lollar, Jennifer Manriquez, Annie Peterson,

Esther Redington, Margie Roth, Kari Ann Smith, Mavis Spath, Susan Thompson, Beatrice Trujillo, Theresa

Wiederspahn. Make sure to wish these ladies Happy Birthday when you see them.

October is Oktoberfest month and the ALR dinner is Rouladen. Come down and support the riders, and make

sure to RSVP.

Serving Our Veterans Proudly!

From the Senior Vice Commander

Lino Calica

The 3R’s (RECRUIT- New members, RETAIN - Existing Members, REBUILD - For the Future.)

Currently, Neal Thomas Jr. Centennial Post 209 membership is at 567 new and existing mem-

bers who have renewed their membership for fiscal year 2017. At this time there is a 90 day

membership blitz, we are currently at 55%, we need approximately 820 members to meet

80% of the 2017 department membership goal to receive the MAJOR AWARD at the Mid-

Year Conference.

As you recruit, briefly advise the Veterans on the different programs within the American Le-

gion; The American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of American Legion, American Legion Riders, and Young Guns

The key to growth and success of Post 209 is to lead by example and to serve the needs of our Veterans and

their families.

Mahalo nui loa, (Thank you)

Yum, Yum, Eat’em up!!

Butter Braid Sale

Auxiliary fundraiser time again. Starting October 3rd, butter braids go on sale. Tell your friends, neighbors,

and your neighbors’ friends about the sale. Orders must be made no later than November 4th. Delivery date is

November 9th. Make checks payable to ALA Unit 209. The price is $13.00 per braid and payment must be

made before the delivery date. Call Jackie Bowen, (719) 574-1223, to place an order over the phone and then

mail a check to her or discuss receipt of payment when you call. Thanks for supporting your Auxiliary.

FLAVORS: Caramel Rolls (9 rolls), Cherry, Apple, Blueberry, Cinnamon, and Strawberry and Cream Cheese.


It’s A Halloween

Party!

Where? Neal Thomas Jr. Centennial Post 209

When? Saturday, 29 October from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Why? Because it’s Halloween, duh!

Details: This is a potluck affair. Please bring enough food for everyone in your

party, plus 3-4 more. RSVPs to Jackie Bowen are required no later than Tuesday,

25 October. When you RSVP, let her know how many kids you are bringing, male/

female, and their age.

Prizes? Of course! We will award prizes for the best costume in 4 categories:

Male and Female 1-6 year old

Male and Female 7-12 year old

Male and Female Over 12

Couples

Costumes are not required, but encouraged. That’s part of the fun.

Come on out. We will have a ghoulishly good time! And don’t forget the garlic to

ward off the evil spirits.


The fall class for Junior Shooting began on September 14, 2016 with eight students attending. Introduction of

instructors and students came first, followed by the fifteen-point safety pledge that was reviewed and signed by

all students.

Next, we had a very special guest come and address our class, Charles E.

Schmidt, the newly elected National Commander of the American Legion! The

Commander spoke about Legion programs and the many opportunities available

to youth through the American Legion. Colorado was his third visit after election

in August and we are very honored to have him here.

After the Commander’s visit, the class continued with Rusty Bower presenting an

overview of clothing, equipment and supplies

that are used in three position shooting. Gun safety and range commands

came next with Bill Weeks, followed by operation of the air rifle with Jesse

Wade. Students finished up the evening by selecting an air rifle that they

will use for the duration of the class. Class will continue next Wednesday

with more instruction and shooting from the bench rest position.

You can check us out on Face Book where there are pictures and a video.

Just go to legion209.org and click on the Young Guns Icon that is on the

lower left side of the Home Page.

Ken Taylor

Junior Shooting Chairman

719-761-4047 or email [email protected].

From the Service Officer

Lyle Hagelberg

I just finished reading the American Legion Auxiliary magazine for August 2016 and found an interesting

article on Gold Star Mothers and Widows. In fact, my wife Liliane brought to my attention that the name of

the World War I cemetery in Romague, France, was misspelled. This is no big deal, just a word with one let-

ter wrong. So what! We all have been guilty of this. But it just happens that her grandmother lived in Ro-

magne-sous-Montfaucon, the French village that borders this largest US overseas cemetery of 14,246

graves. This is called the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. Liliane, as a child, spent many hours with her

cousins walking about this cemetery. It is shaped as a bowl with a goldfish pond in the middle and that was

an enticement to children. We visited this site several times in the many years we spent in Europe. Each time

I was amazed at the care of this as well as other overseas cemeteries we saw. The American Battle Monu-

ments Commission is in charge of each and everyone of them and they do a great job. This is just a personal

note on the Auxiliary article. It is a great article in the event you did not have a chance to read it.

mailto:[email protected]


From the Jr. Vice Commander - I Met Henry

Bob Caddell

Last year during the homeless Vets Stand down I met Henry. Henry is Veteran of the Army, era 1970’s. What

stood out about Henry that would make me write about him? He was in the 82nd Airborne out of Fort Bragg,

NC. He did a 4-year tour; nothing special there. He is a homeless Veteran, unemployed, and short on memory.

I’m an employed Navy Veteran with a couple of lucky breaks and working in good paying job, happily mar-

ried for 36 and a half years, one son that is my world, and a roof over my head.

My situation is much different from Henry’s, but as the saying goes “But for the grace of God, there go I. You

ask why I am writing about meeting Henry. Cause Henry and I grew up in the same little town In Colorado.

He is 3 years older than I am but we walked the same streets, went to the same schools, and shopped the same

business while growing up eight streets apart.

I don’t know if Henry and I ever met before but it is possible, don’t you think? I did not find much personal

information about Henry other than what I listed above as we talked more about growing up in our hometown,

than anything else. The Quick Shake Inn, the Baptist and Catholic churches that were right next door to each

other; he was Baptist and I was Catholic. The Sims Super grocery store, the two gas stations, the A&W drive-

in. The 5 & Dime, better known a Duckwalls. So on and so on.

We went to North Elementary and we both remember the Principle; Mr. Munoz. We both went to Sproul Jun-

ior High; I lived just down the hill from there and only one block over from North. We both went to Widefield

High, he was closer to the High School as he lived on Rose Dr.

After about an hour of talking and reminiscing, he wanted to go have a smoke. On the way out of the hotel he

looked back at me and said,” You went to Widefield? I went to Widefield.” Henry said the time between 1961

and 1970 while growing up in our hometown as he put it “was the best time of my life.”

I am a new member of Post 209. This was my first encounter with the Veterans Stand down that takes place

each year. We support the Stand down with a show of allegiance for the Vets that participate. They come off

the street, are cleaned up, new clothes, haircuts, and a room for a bit. There are not only men but also women

and children, Veteran families are homeless and un-employed. I walked away with a new view of life, a sense

of how many have given to the country they call their own. How we need to help our fellow Vets.

Last night I met Henry.

I wrote this last year when I volunteered to help with the Post’s dinner during the Veterans Stand down. It is

coming up in October by the way. As the Commander has asked all Legionnaires please, find it in you hearts

and schedules to support your Post in some sort of volunteer position. It’s an experience that is fulfilling and

very rewarding.

We have a busy next couple months here at the Post. The Post Halloween Party will be October 29th

from 2 – 4pm. The Homeless Veterans Stand Down will be on October 18th at the city auditorium down-

town. The Veterans Day parade will be on November 5th along with Saluting America events the following

week with School District 11.

Membership renewals have been coming in and we are at 55% of our membership goal. We will be having an

Early Bird Dinner on October 28th. What does that mean? If you have renewed or joined as a new member for

2017 prior to October 15th, you get a free dinner on October 28th from the Post. All you have to do to be eli-

gible for this dinner is to pay your 2017 dues by the 15th and to make an RSVP for the dinner.

Department is running a contest to help in recruiting new members. For every new American Legion member

you recruit your name is entered in a drawing. They will have a drawing on each of the national target dates;

giving away $100 each time. The first drawing will be September 14th. The more new members you recruit

the more chances you have to win.

The District 7 Fall Conference will be hosted by Post 2008 and will be held at the Latigo Grill in Black Forest

on October 16, 2016 starting at 11:00am. There will be an Oktoberfest theme to the Conference. Wear your

Lederhosen!

From the Adjutant

Marvin Weaver, Jr.


What? Our American Legion Department Service Office will be

in Colorado Springs the 4th Saturday of Every Month dur-

ing most of 2016.

Where? Centennial Post 209 at 3613 Jeannine Drive.

Time? 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Why? To assist our local Veterans with Claims and to Provide In-

formation Related to Their Medical Benefits.

FAQ:

Do I have to be a member of The American Legion?

No. We Will Offer Assistance to Any Qualified Veteran.

Do I need an Appointment?

No, but it is Recommended. Call 303-914-5585 to Make an Ap-

pointment, but Walk-ins are Welcome.

What Do I Bring?

DD214, as well as the following that pertains to your situation:

Marriage Certificate; Divorce Decree; Death Certificate; and any

Civilian Medical Records.

Tell your Veteran Friends and Neighbors!

DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE

FROM THE VA? Help has Arrived


From the Historian

Eric Testorff

Some readers may recall that I wrote of my brother, Sp4 Thomas E. Testorff, who was killed in action

in Vietnam in March of 1971. Tommy’s outfit was Company B, 1st Battalion of the 501st Infantry, 101st Air-

borne Division - the Screaming Eagles. During Tom’s time in the 501st over at Company A, there was another

soldier fighting in the 1st Battalion: Second Lieutenant Joe R. Hooper.

Joe Ronnie Hooper grew up a tough kid, who was a scrapper known for never backing down from a fight. Af-

ter a stint in the Navy from 1955-59, he enlisted in the US Army in 1960, working his way up and down the

enlisted ranks all the way to Staff Sergeant, busted back down to corporal after a few Article 15’s, then back

up again. It was as a Sergeant that he found himself facing withering enemy fire from a riverbank with Com-

pany D, 2nd Bn of the 501st Airborne Infantry in Hue, Vietnam, on February 21st, 1968. What would happen on

that day would go down in the annals of American military heroism, and earn Joe Hooper our country’s high-

est award for military valor: the Congressional Medal of Honor. His MOH citation carries the story:

“S/Sgt. Hooper rallied several men and stormed across the river, overrunning several bunkers on the opposite

shore. Thus inspired, the rest of the company moved to the attack. With utter disregard for his own safety, he

moved out under the intense fire again and pulled back the wounded, moving them to safety. During this act S/

Sgt. Hooper was seriously wounded, but he refused medical aid and returned to his men. With the relentless

enemy fire disrupting the attack, he single-handedly stormed 3 enemy bunkers, destroying them with hand

grenade and rifle fire, and shot 2 enemy soldiers who had attacked and wounded the Chaplain. Leading his

men forward in a sweep of the area, S/Sgt. Hooper destroyed 3 buildings housing enemy riflemen. At this

point he was attacked by a North Vietnamese officer whom he fatally wounded with his bayonet. Finding his

men under heavy fire from a house to the front, he proceeded alone to the building, killing its occupants with

rifle fire and grenades. By now his initial body wound had been compounded by grenade fragments, yet de-

spite the multiple wounds and loss of blood, he continued to lead his men against the intense enemy fire. As

his squad reached the final line of enemy resistance, it received devastating fire from 4 bunkers in line on its

left flank. S/Sgt. Hooper gathered several hand grenades and raced down a small trench which ran the length

of the bunker line, tossing grenades into each bunker as he passed by, killing all but 2 of the occupants. With

these positions destroyed, he concentrated on the last bunkers facing his men, destroying the first with an in-

cendiary grenade and neutralizing 2 more by rifle fire. He then raced across an open field, still under enemy

fire, to rescue a wounded man who was trapped in a trench. Upon reaching the man, he was faced by an armed

enemy soldier whom he killed with a pistol. Moving his comrade to safety and returning to his men, he neu-

tralized the final pocket of enemy resistance by fatally wounding 3 North Vietnamese officers with rifle fire.

S/Sgt. Hooper then established a final line and reorganized his men, not accepting treatment until this was ac-

complished and not consenting to evacuation until the following morning. His supreme valor, inspiring leader-

ship and heroic self-sacrifice were directly responsible for the company's success and provided a lasting exam-

ple in personal courage for every man on the field…”

Finishing his career as a captain, Hooper would be one of three Vietnam servicemen to be wounded 8 times.

During two combat tours, he earned 37 medals, including the Medal of Honor, two Silver Stars, six Bronze

Stars and eight Purple Hearts. The Army credited him with killing 115 North Vietnamese. Many believe the

number was higher.

Joe Hooper made it back from Vietnam, but died in Kentucky in 1979 of a cerebral hemorrhage. He was 40.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Audie Murphy lies about

60 feet to the south. The two Most-Decorated soldiers are resting, 20 paces apart.

**Rusty Bower’s column to bring a little “salt” to the post.**

Origin of NAVY Terminology

Rusty Bower Chewing the Fat – "God made the vittles but the devil made the cook," was a popular saying used by

seafaring men in the 19th century when salted beef was staple diet aboard ship. This tough cured beef, suitable only for long voy-

ages when nothing else was cheap or would keep as well (remember, there was no refrigeration), required prolonged chewing to

make it edible. Men often chewed one chunk for hours, just as it were chewing gum and referred to this practice as "chewing the

fat."


From the Judge Advocate

Larry Johnson

We are working on the middle of September, which equates to about 3 months into the 2017 recruitment year.

Whether you know it or not we are in a contest to retain our status as number 1 in the Department.

Our Post not only hosted the newly elected American Legion National Commander, but we also hosted the

newly elected American Legion Auxiliary National President. According to everything we were told they both

enjoyed their time with us.

We are just as busy now and in the future as we have been in the first part of the year. One of the things we

really need right now is VOLUNTEERS who are willing to dedicate an hour or two a month in order to keep

the Post running. Combined, we have just about 1,400 members, which means that we have a lot of knowledge

and experience and know how to keep our Post running. If you have some time and you would like to VOL-

UNTEER just contact the Commander or the Adjutant or you can call Larry Johnson at 719-930-0232 and we

will get back to you.

Hope to see you in the near future.

An Everlasting Time To Remember, An Everlasting Time To Celebrate

Jay Bowen

On Sunday, September 25th we held three events, all with a

similar purpose. Our Riders conducted their first of what we

hope to be many Neal Thomas Jr. Memorial Rides. Later that

afternoon and evening, we conducted Post renaming and Post

Everlasting ceremonies in memory and honor of Neal. The

Post name was officially changed earlier in the year. The Post

Everlasting ceremony transferred our friend, mentor, and

namesake to his heavenly new Post.

The turnout was great and the somber event was well re-

ceived by the many from across the State who attended. Neal’s widow, Lynn was very appreciative of all

who participated and attended. She indicated that Neal would have been proud of how the ceremonies were

carried out, although he would not have wanted to be the object of attention.

Neal was the consummate Legionnaire. He served our Post, Department and

Nation in many positions, including Post Commander for 3 years, Depart-

ment Commander and National Executive Committeeman. He was on sev-

eral National level committees, to include the Magazine committee. To the

end, he got out of bed every day right to the end to serve our Veterans and

their families. He was a confidant and mentor to many, and friend almost

everyone who knew him. He is still missed and will be for many years.

The last visit I had with Neal at the hospital, he indicated to me that this

was, “The End.” I told him that as long as there are Legionnaires who re-

member him, it will never be the end. He will live in us and his teachings

will guide us as we continue to serve.

Rest well, my friend. You are most deserving these honors.


Motorcycle Minute

Andy Gilbert, President

Volunteerism is the word of the month. Part of what makes us such a great organization is the people who give

their time talent and treasure. My mother always said that many hands make light work. In most organizations,

10 percent of the people do 90 percent of the work. Some people sit on the sidelines never knowing what they

can do to assist. Some people feel that they are not invited to help. Please contact any one of our coordinators

and see what you can do for others. Please help to make things better for everyone.

This last couple of months, we had the ALR Chili and meatloaf dinners, Funeral services, Vietnam War Wall

escort, set up, and security detail as well as dismantle and secure the wall. Poker Run volunteers made the dif-

ference in the success for our Post. Volunteers make all the difference in the world.

On October 18th, we will again assist people whose lives have been shattered to get off the streets. This will

not be easy. We will be looking for mentors to help these Vets develop discipline again. Assist in getting jobs,

and connected with the VA. We will house them in hotels and help them get their lives back together and feed

them. Let it be known that you will not be alone.

Success is never 100 percent but when someone is ready to make the change in their life, we are there and life

will never be the same again for them. You can be the change they needed in their life.

Thank you for all you do or will do.

From Squadron 209

Historian Eric Testorff

Sons of the American Legion Squadron 209 visited the children's section of Saint Francis Hospital in Colorado

Springs on Wednesday, 7 September, 2016. The Sons brought

a very special cargo with them this evening; a number of

"Josh Dog" sets to be given to the children undergoing surgery

or other medical procedures.

Josh is a hug-able, plush dog with his own book titled, "I Will

Be OK." The children immediately took to their Josh Dogs

and will be giving them many hugs throughout their hospital

stay, and beyond.

Squadron 209 was joined on this visit by some honored guests

from the American Legion Auxiliary; none

other than newly-elected National Auxiliary

President Mary Davis, as well as Past North-

west Division National Vice President Pat Ster-

anka, Department of Colorado President Eve-

lyn Espinola, District 7 President Jackie Bowen

and Unit 209 President Cathy Barger. Thank

you so much ladies, for coming out and sup-

porting the work of Sons of the American Le-

gion Squadron 209.


Bringing a Little South to the West

By Past Post Commander Jay Bowen

For weather, October was among the best months of the year. The air was cool in the evenings and pleasantly

warm during the day and the humidity was very low. The window fan in the kitchen pulled cool air through

our bedroom windows and made sleeping comfortable. We didn’t have air conditioning growing up, but Dad

worked for the Hunter Fan Company so we had plenty of floor and oscillating desk fans to keep air circu-

lated throughout the house. Matter of fact, each of us four kids had a large convertible floor/window fan that

we took to school at the beginning of each year. Because there was no air conditioning in the school, we im-

mediately became very popular in our respective classes. I still have my fan and it works as good as when I

was in grade school. Let’s see, that was about 15 years ago (math was never my strong suit).

October was also Halloween month. Back in the day, everyone participated in “Trick or Treat” on October

31st. We didn’t know (or didn’t care) that it was derived from a pagan holiday. Even if I had known, I would

not have known what a pagan was anyway. For us, it was a time to dress up, paint up, get candied or caramel

apples, popcorn balls, and/or other goodies from the neighbors. We didn’t have to sort through the sack for

anything dangerous and Mom didn’t throw away our bounty because it wasn’t wrapped. It was also a time to

pull pranks on neighbors that didn’t understand the concept of “Trick or Treat.” No treat, then we were com-

pelled to trick. The tricks were harmless. We would either “soap” their house or car windows or “paper” their

yard with toilet paper, or both depending on the neighbor. It was all done in good fun and no one got hurt. If

caught, our reparation was to undo what was done for the trick.

This was also a time for our first 6-weeks school report. Exams were always a problem for me. I think it was

just the anticipation of the exam that made me freak out and not do well. Or maybe it was because I was

never prepared by doing the homework and paying attention in class. Hmmm. I guess we’ll never know.

Having a brother a year older and a sister a year younger didn’t help much when it came to showing our re-

port card to my parents. I also had a sister about 6 years older, but by the time we were in school she was so

far ahead of us her grades didn’t matter when my folks started comparing. My brother, Bubba as I’ve called

him for years, and I normally tracked very close with respect to grades. Our younger sister was weird. She

typically had nothing but “A’s” for grades and “E’s” for conduct. Bubba and I would typically turn in “D’s”

and “F’s” for grades and “N’s” (needs improvement) or “U’s” for conduct. I just know if either of us ever

brought home a “C,” Dad would be so proud he’d take our report card to work and put it on the Hunter Fan

Bulletin Board for all to see. But we rarely had to wonder if that happened. I remember once Bubba and I

decided to forge our parent’s signature. This would have worked fine if our little sister hadn’t given her re-

port card to Mom and Dad. They wanted to know where our card was. We tried to explain we didn’t get one.

I guess we didn’t think that one through. All it took was a simple phone call to find out we were lying.

Really, really bad idea. It must have been Bubba’s.

I miss the fun and festivities October brought as a child of the 60’s. It was a time for candy, dressing up in

costumes or just make-up to look like a zombie, pulling pranks, and report cards. Okay, so maybe not all the

memories of October will be missed.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

We are adding something new to The Centennial Newsletter. If

you know of a business or have one you would like to advertise

in our newsletter, get with our Post Adjutant, Marvin Weaver, Jr.

He will work with you on pricing and requirements to get your

name and business card out there. Advertising in this Newsletter

does not mean we recommend the business; we are merely offer-

ing sponsors/supporters a venue for advertising.


Post Officers 2016-2017

Sons of The American Legion 2016-2017

Office Name Telephone

Commander Mike Barger 719-290-3218

Sr. Vice Cdr Lino Calica 719-963-0956

Jr. Vice Cdr Bob Caddell 719-393-5180

Adjutant Marvin Weaver, Jr. 719-244-3535

Finance Officer Rusty Bower 719-649-0654

Chaplain Paul R. Darrow 719-237-4461

Sergeant-at-Arms Stan “Sgt. Ski ” Krasin-ski

719-556-8326

Historian Eric Testorff 719-510-4177

Post Exec. Cmtee Gregory Smith 520-784-3555

Service Officer Lyle Hagelberg 719-231-2364

Judge Advocate Larry Johnson 719-230-0232

Club Manager Art Kimbrel 719-339-4610

Honor Guard Capt. Jeremy Boltjes 218-831-0475


President Cathy Barger 719-290-3163

Vice President Pat Weaver 719-638-4763

Secretary Lynn Thomas 719-392-1510

Treasurer Kellie Hayes 719-494-7167

Chaplain Jackie Burd 719-590-6615

Sergeant-At-Arms Donna Testorff 719-510-4567

Historian Donna Rae Smith 815-973-0073


Commander Ken Taylor 719-761-4047

Sr. Vice Commander Marv Weaver 719-244-3535

Jr. Vice Commander Rick Kettering 813-967-6680

Adjutant Steve Wolford 920-264-4238

Finance Officer Rusty Bower 719-649-0654

Sgt-At-Arms Steve P. Cox 970-580-8191

Chaplain Christopher Keith 719-382-7845

Historian Eric Testorff 719-510-4177

ALR Officers 2016-2017


President Andy Gilbert 719-231-6696

Vice President Mike Barger 719-290-3218

Secretary Cathy Barger 719-290-3163

Treasurer Rusty Bower 719-649-0654

Sgt-At-Arms Lino Calica 719-963-0956

Road Captain Grady Mitchell 719-201-3353

Auxiliary Officers 2016-2017

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 $8.50 Breakfast

9 10 Columbus Day 11 12 13 14 $9.00 Meal 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 $14.50 Meal 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 $10.50 Meal or Free! 29

30 31 Halloween Notes:

SAL 6:00pm

ALR Monthly Meeting Early Bird Dinner!

2-4:00pm

Post Halloween Party! 6:30pm. Social 5:30pm Young Guns 1830-2030 6:00pm RSVP! Costumes Encouraged

Young Guns 1830-2030 RSVP Required!

Party; 12:00pm 6:00pm

ALR Executive Board

Steak Night - 6:00pm ALR End of Season

RSVP Required!

ALR Dinner - 6:00pm

Young Guns 1830-2030

Meeting - 10:00am

Young Guns 1830-2030 Executive Committee Breakfast - 9:00am Meeting 6:30pm

Membership Meeting

October 2016Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

http://americanlegionriders.net/img/sal_logo.gif


1 2 3 4 5 Colorado Springs

6 Daylight Saving Time

Ends7 8 Election Day 9 10 11 $9.00 Meal 12 $8.50 Breakfast

13 14 15 16 17 Great American Smokeout 18 $14.50 Meal 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 Notes:

6:30pm. Social 5:30pm

6:00pm SAL 6:00pm

ALR Executive Board

ALR Monthly Meeting Happy Thanksgiving!

RSVP Required!

Steak Night - 6:00pm

Happy Veterans'

Day!

Meeting - 10:00am

Young Guns 1830-2030 Executive Committee RSVP Required!

order.

Breakfast - 9:00am Meeting 6:30pm

ALR Dinner - 6:00pm Membership Meeting

Price Varies with

Hamdogger 6:00pm

Veterans' Day Parade! Young Guns 1830-2030

November 2016Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Potluck!

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 Winter Solstice (Northern) 22 23 24

25 Merry 26 27 28 29 30 31

Christmas!

6:00pm

ALR Executive Board

4:00pm

Party!

Post Christmas

Meeting 6:30pm

Executive Committee

December 2016Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

the centennial - legion209.orgvolume 47 edition 10 october 2016 mail: p.o. box 25334, colorado...

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